least 139 migrants including 15 children have died and dozens more are still missing after a boat sank off the coast of Djibouti, the UN’s migration office has said.
The boat had been travelling from Djibouti to Yemen with 305 people aboard when it capsized near the port town of Obock on Thursday night. Around 82 people were rescued, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.
IOM’s Djibouti mission chief Alexandre Coissac called the tragedy a “stark reminder” of the dangers migrants face when seeking a new life elsewhere.
Tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa make the perilous journey each year hoping to reach Gulf countries for safety and work, the agency says.
The organisation revised its toll from 109 on Sunday after 30 more bodies were recovered.
“This is a devastating loss of life,” Coissac said. “Our thoughts are with the survivors and the families who have lost loved ones or remain without news of their relatives.”
Local authorities are also arranging burials for those who have died, while the survivors, all Ethiopian nationals, have medical care readily available to them.
Yemen remains engulfed in a devastating civil war that has lasted more than a decade. Despite this conflict – and growing instability across the wider region – migrants still cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Yemen driven by poverty, insecurity and the growing impacts of climate change.
Since 10 September, the IOM said its Displacement Tracking Matrix had observed more than 20,000 “movements” from Ethiopia to Djibouti.
IOM said it was providing assistance to 64 of the survivors at its response centre in Obock, including healthcare and support to “restore contact with their families”.
(BBC)
Homeowners Insurance: What Your Policy May Not Cover
Homeowners insurance protects one of your biggest investments, but many people do not fully understand what their policy covers. They only find out after damage happens, and by then it may be too late.
A standard homeowners insurance policy may cover damage from fire, wind, theft, vandalism, certain water damage, and liability claims. It may also help pay for temporary housing if your home becomes unlivable after a covered event.
However, there are important exclusions. Many standard policies do not cover flood damage. If you live in an area with flood risk, you may need separate flood insurance.
Earthquake damage is also usually excluded unless you buy additional coverage. Sewer backups, mold, termite damage, wear and tear, and maintenance problems may also be limited or excluded.
Another important issue is replacement cost versus actual cash value. Replacement cost coverage may pay to replace damaged property with new items. Actual cash value coverage subtracts depreciation, which can result in a lower payout.
Your policy limits matter. If your home has increased in value or construction costs have gone up, your old coverage may not be enough to rebuild. You should review your policy regularly to make sure the dwelling coverage is accurate.
Personal property coverage also has limits. Expensive jewelry, electronics, art, firearms, or collectibles may require additional coverage.
Liability protection is another important part of homeowners insurance. If someone is injured on your property, liability coverage may help pay legal costs or damages.
To avoid surprises, review your declarations page, exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits. Ask your insurance agent what is not covered and whether you need additional protection.
Homeowners insurance is not just a bill. It is financial protection for your house, belongings, and future. Understanding your policy before disaster strikes can save you from major financial stress.
Info News
Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC: Which Option Is Better?
Homeowners who have built equity may be able to borrow against their home through a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, commonly called a HELOC. Both options use the home as collateral, but they work differently.
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A home equity loan provides a lump sum of money that is repaid over a set term with regular monthly payments. Many home equity loans have fixed interest rates, which makes payments predictable. This can be useful for one-time expenses such as a major home improvement project, debt consolidation, or a large planned purchase.
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A HELOC works more like a credit card. The lender gives you access to a line of credit, and you can borrow as needed during the draw period. HELOCs often have variable interest rates, meaning the payment can rise or fall over time. This flexibility can be useful for ongoing projects or uncertain expenses.
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The main advantage of a home equity loan is stability. You know how much you borrowed, what your payment is, and when the loan will be paid off. The main disadvantage is that you receive the full amount upfront, even if you do not need all of it immediately.
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The main advantage of a HELOC is flexibility. You can borrow only what you need, when you need it. The main risk is that variable rates can make payments unpredictable. Some borrowers may also be tempted to keep borrowing, which can increase debt.
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Before choosing either option, consider the risk. Because the loan is secured by your home, failure to repay could put your home at risk. Borrowing against home equity should be done carefully and for a clear financial purpose.
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Compare interest rates, fees, repayment terms, draw periods, closing costs, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. Also ask whether there are annual fees, early closure fees, or minimum withdrawal requirements.
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Home equity borrowing may make sense for improvements that increase property value or for consolidating high-interest debt with a clear repayment plan. It may not be wise for unnecessary spending or short-term lifestyle purchases.
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The best option depends on your goals. Choose a home equity loan if you need a fixed amount and predictable payment. Choose a HELOC if you need flexible access to funds over time.
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Before borrowing, compare lenders and review the full cost carefully.
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U.S.–Iran Tensions Rise After Major Naval Incident in Strait of Hormuz
Global tensions are increasing after a reported naval confrontation involving the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The incident has sparked fears of rising fuel prices, global economic instability, and potential military escalation in the Middle East. Governments around the world are closely monitoring the situation as international markets react to the growing uncertainty.
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The Strait of Hormuz is responsible for transporting a large percentage of the world’s oil supply, making any disruption in the region a serious concern for energy markets. Financial analysts say prolonged tensions could lead to higher gasoline prices across the United States and increased transportation costs globally. Americans are closely following the developing story as searches related to “oil prices,” “Iran conflict,” and “Middle East tensions” continue trending online.
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Military officials have stated that additional security measures are being considered to protect commercial shipping routes and maintain regional stability. Political leaders from several countries are also calling for diplomatic negotiations to avoid further escalation. Experts warn that continued instability could impact stock markets, global trade, and inflation if tensions continue over the coming weeks.
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